[KrissR]

Let me first say I realize I probably did not handle this correctly. On the other hand I haven't a clue how I should have handled this. I got an accidental paper cut. A small painless one that I did not notice until I had gotten blood on a patients chart. Would have liked to speak to an infection control nurse but they are not avaliable 2am. The couple of drops I got on med cart were easy to deal with, just disinfected the whole thing. Dabbed the chart including the MAR with alcohol also but am not sure that was enough. Did smear the ink a little but not enough to alter anyone's ability to read it. Then I passed info about the incident along to next shift. I am wondering if I should have asked a supervisor about the situation or filled out an incident report. Just did not think about it at the time. I was recently checked for all the usual blood infections and came up negative.

[medi]

In a situation like your's where the "incident" is something as small as a paper cut I'd have done the same thing you did, but you pose a good question. I guess if I were you and I felt concerned about the right way to handle it, like you do, I'd ask either the charge nurse, floor superviser, or your unit director just to CYA. That might not be the right way though so somebody else might have a suggestion to post that will enlighten us both.

[mercynurse]

I'd have done the same thing, but probably would have left a message for the infection control nurse to get back to me and guide me in case of another similar incident.

[deedah72]

I would have done the same thing, but definately check to see if you need to fill out an incident report. I've seen at least 2 people in the hospital that I work at that had paper cuts which developed mrsa. Rachael

[hsieh]

if blood is involved u could do a report just to cover your arse but if it's not dripping with blood i don't think it matters.

[cougarnurse]

You do realize this thread is over 3 years old?

[orionseal]

Hey Cat,
It must be our uncanny assesment skills coupled with our super human powers of observation that led us to read and hence comment on a otherwise dead thread, either that or we are E. R. Nurses who can't give up no matter what (a little hot water, some towels, an I-vac and a dose of adrenalin and we can save anyone/thing).